'Hollyoaks' actor backs child killer plot

Next week, it will be revealed that former pole dancer Loretta Jones, played by Melissa Walton, killed a 12-year-old girl when she was the same age. Her shocking secret comes back to haunt her when old friend and accomplice Chrissy (Amber Hodgkiss) turns up in the village.

The Channel 4 show's producers have faced criticism over the plot due to allegations that it mirrors the real-life case of James Bulger, who was killed at the age of 2 by 10-year-olds Jon Venables and Robert Thompson 16 years ago.

However, Sacre, who plays Loretta's love interest Jake Dean, has now argued that the programme's bosses are making the right decision by tackling such a sensitive subject matter.

Speaking to PA, the 31-year-old explained: "I think the fact that it's the sort of thing that happens in real life means it's something that should be addressed. Anyone who buries their head in the sand is a bit naïve. And I think soap is a medium where you can explore issues of real life."

He continued: "I think it's brave they're doing it. I'm looking forward to being involved in it. My own personal views don't really come in to it. As an actor it's very exciting to be involved in something like that."

Channel 4 has insisted that the storyline is not based on "any real-life case". The broadcaster has also promised that it will be handled sensitively and "in the appropriate way".